The idea of running both a furnace and heat pump might sound a little unusual at first. After all, why should you need two heaters? Even though furnaces and heat pumps both deliver energy-efficient heat, the differences in their design actually make installing both of them a practical option. It’s not for everybody, but with the right conditions you will definitely benefit from owning a furnace and a heat pump.

You’ll want to think about several factors in order to confirm if this type of setup helps you. Your local climate and the square footage of your home are both very important, particularly for the heat pump. This is because numerous models of heat pumps start to function less effectively in colder weather and bigger homes. At the same time, you can still benefit from heat pump installation in Manassas.

Heat Pumps May Be Less Reliable in Cold Weather

Heat pumps are typically less reliable in colder weather as a result of how they create climate control in the first place. Unlike furnaces, which ignite fuel to create heat, a heat pump reverses its supply of refrigerant to extract heat from outdoor air. This heat is then brought inside and circulated throughout your home. Assuming there is still a little heat energy in the air, a heat pump should function. But the lower the temperature, the less reliable this process is.

The less heat energy is available outside, the more effort is required for a heat pump to bring heat indoors to maintain your desired temperature. It can depend on the specific make and model, but heat pumps can start to lose out on efficiency at temperatures of 40 degrees and colder. They should still be an energy-efficient option until 20-25 degrees, after which a gas furnace should be more effective.

What Temperatures Do Heat Pumps Run Best In?

Heat pumps work best in moderate climates 40 degrees and up. Having said that, you don’t have to sacrifice the benefits of a heat pump just because your local climate is cold. In fact, that’s why having both a furnace and heat pump can be worth the expense. You can keep the heat pump for energy-efficient heat until the weather is cold enough to warrant shifting to something like a gas furnace.

A few makes and models claim greater performance in cooler weather. For example, the Lennox MLA heat pump is capable of running at 100% capacity at 0°F. It can even remain functional in temperatures as low as -22°F. For maximum energy efficiency, you’ll likely still want to swap to the furnace in particularly cold weather.

So Should I Put in a Heat Pump if I Own a Gas Furnace?

If you’re interested in maintaining the most energy-efficient HVAC system possible, owning a heat pump and gas furnace at the same time warrants the investment. Not only is a dual-heating system versatile, but it features other benefits such as:

  • A source of backup heating – A redundant heating system means even if one stops working, you still have the capability to heat your home. It may not be the most energy efficient, but it’s better than living in an unheated home while you sit around for repairs.
  • Lower energy costs – The ability to pick which heating system you use based on the highest energy efficiency lowers your total costs. Smaller heating bills over the lifetime of these heating systems can really add up to a lot of savings.
  • Less strain on both systems – Instead of running one system all winter long, heating responsibilities are split between the furnace and heat pump. Key hardware may last longer as they’re not under constant use.

If you’re still not sure about heat pump installation in Manassas, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local professional technicians. They can evaluate your home’s comfort needs and help you decide if a dual-heating HVAC system is the best option.